Μουσείο Σολωμού & Επιφανών Ζακυνθίων

About the museum

The first idea for a museum dedicated to Dionysios Solomos arose in 1903, when the manuscripts of the national poet were donated for this purpose. The present building was erected after the earthquakes of 1953 in Agiou Markou Square in Zakynthos, on a plot granted by the Holy Metropolis of Zakynthos, with funding from the Greek state, organisations and many private donors. The museum has been open since 24 August 1966. It is run by a literary and social association founded in 1959 and governed by a six-member board. The building houses the only mausoleum in Greece.

In 1978 the Academy of Athens honoured the museum for its work, and in 1987 the Friends of the Museum association was founded in Athens. In 1992 an extension project began, initially funded by Community programmes and later by foundation sponsorships. The renovated museum was inaugurated on 27 March 1999 by the President of the Republic, and in 2000 it was nominated for the European Museum of the Year 2001 award.

The collections are organised in halls bearing the names of donors and in sections on Solomos, his life and work and his manuscripts, and on the history of Zakynthos from antiquity to the present. There are also halls devoted to Distinguished Zakynthians. The museum has a library and a music collection.

Highlights

• Manuscripts and works of Dionysios Solomos
• The only mausoleum in Greece
• Halls of Distinguished Zakynthians
• Library and music collection
• Digital exhibitions and tributes

Permanent exhibitions

• Διονύσιος Σολωμός: ζωή και έργο – The exhibition follows the poet's life in Zakynthos, Italy and Corfu and presents his manuscripts and works.
• Επιφανείς Ζακύνθιοι – Two halls are devoted to important personalities of Zakynthos.

Founded

1966

Operated by

Σωματείο «Μουσείο Σολωμού και Επιφανών Ζακυνθίων»

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

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Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The museum has a shop.

Events & venue rental

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